From high-tech AI "ears" that help caregivers detect emotions to cuddly robotic pets that help foster companionship and a sense of responsibility for patients, recent advancements in technology and wearable tech are providing promising options to improve the quality of life for those with Alzheimer's.

In the early stages of Alzheimer's, individuals who still retain certain mental faculties may resist using assistive devices, similar to older adults who initially refuse a medical alert bracelet or hearing aid. Therefore, it's important to know what varying abilities your patient has and what stage the disease has progressed to, as there is a difference between focusing on solutions that monitor someone living with this disease — such as sensors or cameras — vs. using devices to proactively assist them and enabling their independence.

With that in mind, read on for tips and to learn about new tech that can help engage patients and help with caregivers' responsibilities.

Monitoring and safety

One of the primary concerns for individuals with Alzheimer's is their safety going about their day-to-day tasks, particularly due to the risk of wandering and becoming lost. Wearable technology, such as GPS-enabled devices, offers a solution to this issue. Devices like smartwatches or discreet trackers can be worn by individuals, allowing caregivers to monitor their location in real-time. If a person with Alzheimer's strays beyond a designated safe area, alerts can be sent to enable a swift response.

Additionally, wearable devices can monitor vital signs and detect potential health issues. For example, smartwatches equipped with sensors can track heart rate, blood pressure and even detect falls. This continuous monitoring allows for immediate intervention if an abnormality is detected, potentially preventing more serious health complications. This proactive monitoring and management is crucial in maintaining the well-being of Alzheimer's patients.

Memory and cognitive support

Cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients often leads to difficulties with daily tasks and remembering important information. Digital assistants, like Amazon's Alexa or Google Home, can be programmed with reminders for medications, appointments and daily activities. These devices offer a hands-free way for individuals to receive timely prompts, helping them maintain a routine and keep up with their treatment plans.

Wearable tech can also play a significant role in memory support. Smart glasses, for instance, can display contextual information in real-time.

Imagine a scenario that at one time would seem only possible in a futuristic sci-fi film: An individual with Alzheimer's is struggling to remember a family member's name or a scheduled appointment, but thanks to wearable tech smart glasses can provide visual cues and reminders for them in real-time, reducing anxiety and promoting independence.

Social engagement and interactions

Social isolation is another common issue among Alzheimer's patients, which only accelerates cognitive decline. Certain technologies can offer innovative ways to keep individuals engaged and connected with their loved ones or recall happy memories. Virtual reality has emerged as a powerful tool for patients, transporting individuals to familiar places or allowing them to participate in activities they once enjoyed, stimulating memories and emotions. These immersive experiences can enhance mood and cognitive function, offering a form of therapy that is both enjoyable and beneficial.

Smartwatches and smartphones with video calling capabilities enable face-to-face interactions, even from a distance. Regular social interaction is crucial for mental health, and technology bridges the gap when physical presence is not possible.

Challenges and considerations

While the potential benefits of technology and wearable tech in Alzheimer's care are immense, potential challenges should be addressed. Privacy and data security are of rising concern, as sensitive health information is continuously being collected and transmitted to tech companies. Ensuring that data is protected and used ethically is crucial to maintaining trust and compliance with regulations.

Additionally, accessibility and usability must be considered. Alzheimer's patients may have varying degrees of comfort and familiarity with technology. Designing user-friendly interfaces and providing adequate training for both patients and caregivers is essential to maximize effectiveness.

Finally, high cost can limit the widespread adoption of wearable tech in Alzheimer's care. Many advanced devices come with expensive price tags, potentially placing them out of reach for some families. Efforts to make these technologies more affordable and accessible will be crucial in ensuring that all individuals with Alzheimer's can benefit from these advancements.

Looking ahead in health care tech

The intersection between technology and Alzheimer's care represents a spot of hope in the fight against this debilitating disease. Wearable tech and digital solutions are revolutionizing the way we monitor, assist and engage individuals with Alzheimer's, offering new levels of safety, support and personalized care.

As these technologies continue to evolve, they hold the promise of not only improving the quality of life for patients but also easing the burden on caregivers and health care systems. Harnessing the power of technology can pave the way for a future where Alzheimer's is more manageable, and individuals can live with greater dignity and independence.

A CDC report, based on nationwide survey data from 2018 to 2022, reveals a significant rise in burnout among health workers, with nearly half reporting burnout in 2022 compared to under a third in 2018. The report also highlighted that health workers suffer from poorer mental health outcomes compared to employees in other industries.

What are the stressors driving this shift, and how can they be mitigated?

Stressors faced by health care professionals

Health care professionals face a number of stressors that many other professions might not have to contend with. These can include:

Work life bleeding into personal life

For a person with a desk job, it can be difficult to head home after the day ends to relax and not think about work. For someone with a high-stress job such as nursing, not thinking about work after a long shift is nearly impossible. You are spending a significant amount of time with patients who depend on you, and the job demands empathy and care.

It's only natural to continue to think about those patients when the workday ends, but it can become a problem when it begins to interfere with your personal life and is one of the leading causes of stress in health care workers. Rest and relaxation are imperative for you to be able to carry on with work the next day and maintain positive mental health, but those things can be disrupted when you are constantly thinking about work even as you are at dinner with friends, watching a movie or trying to get a full-night's sleep.

Unrealistic expectations of patients and managers

As humans, we tend to expect a quick fix for most of our problems, but when it comes to medical problems, the solutions are usually far more complex. This can be difficult to explain to patients who walk into your workplace expecting to walk out brand new. The same can be said for toxic managers who expect their staff to solve complex issues in a quick manner while keeping patients happy. Encountering problems that typically lack immediate solutions makes it infeasible to satisfy everyone. These problems can weigh heavily and contribute to negative mental health in health care workers.

Heavy workloads

Health care professionals frequently have to manage more patients than would be optimal due to a number of issues. These professionals may soon become overwhelmed trying to address the demands of every patient in this situation.

Staff shortages caused by situations such as global health crises create unrealistic expectations for health care professionals' abilities. These stressful events not only cause staff shortages, but equipment shortages as well, placing even more stress on these workers. It is expected of health care providers to give each patient individual attention and meticulous treatment, but when time and resources are scarce, this is not always feasible.

Inadequate preparation for the emotional side of the job

Unfortunately, no textbook can adequately prepare a person for the emotional toll that working in a health care setting can have. Loss of a patient, delivering bad news to a family, working under extremely stressful conditions – the list of difficult situations health care workers have to face on a daily basis is long. There is no set of instructions for how to deal with these situations because everyone handles these kinds of emotional stressors differently. Many health care workers feel unprepared for the intensity of these emotional situations and believe they did not receive enough guidance on how to effectively manage them.

Strategies for coping and resilience

When health professionals indicated they work in supportive environments, they reported less mental health difficulties, according to the CDC. When workers participate in decision-making, feel trusted by their managers and work under supervisors who support psychological well-being, stress reduction, harassment-free workplaces, productivity and ample time to finish tasks, they feel supported.

In addition to promoting supportive environments, health care workers can utilize the following techniques to protect their mental health:

• Discuss your thoughts and experiences with loved ones, close friends, co-workers and superiors
• Reach out to mental health professionals when overwhelmed or as a preventative measure
• Recognize symptoms of burnout – negative feelings such as apathy, irritability, exhaustion and disconnection from work and others
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet and get adequate rest
• Maintain a workout routine and utilize breathing techniques
• Avoid using caffeine, alcohol, tobacco or drugs as a coping mechanism

Providing support for the backbone of our health care system

The foundation of our health care system is made up of the medical professionals who work tirelessly every day to guarantee the health of their patients. The need for comprehensive support is highlighted by the rise in mental health problems and increased burnout these professionals continually face. It's critical to address stressors including heavy workloads, unreasonable expectations and work-life balance. Prioritizing the well-being of health care workers is a moral imperative and vital for a resilient health care system, ensuring high-quality patient care.

What is Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that gradually degenerates memory, thought processes and behavior. Almost 7 million people aged 65 or older in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer's disease according to an Alzheimer's Association report. The report states that in 2023, around 11.5 million family members and caregivers spent 18.4 billion hours of unpaid time helping individuals with this disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 63% of caregivers can expect to provide dementia care to someone with Alzheimer's for 5 or more years.

Providing memory care to loved one

To lessen the strain of providing care for a person with Alzheimer's, consider the following dementia caregiver tips:

1. Organization is key

Staying organized will make life so much easier for you and the person you are caring for. Utilizing to-do lists and calendars can help you both keep track of appointments, when visitors are coming over and when to take certain medications.

Keeping consistent routines can help those dealing with Alzheimer's stay engaged in daily activities that they are familiar with. Eat meals, get dressed, go for a walk and bathe at the same times every day. People with Alzheimer's will eventually lose the ability to do these tasks, so it's important to continue to do these tasks every day until that point comes.

2. Stay educated

Learning about the disease in its current stage and how it will progress will help you prepare for the future and understand the present. The more you understand about Alzheimer's, the more you will be able to relate to the person you are caring for and understand their experience.

Every person affected by Alzheimer's disease has a unique experience, and individuals may exhibit various symptoms at different phases of the disease — mild, moderate and severe. Being communicative with the person's care doctor can explain these differences and help you learn how to better care for the person.

3. Encourage communication

Dealing with a disease diagnosis is scary enough, but dealing with one that affects how your brain functions can be extremely frightening. Individuals dealing with Alzheimer's may forget certain words, stop mid-sentence not remembering the end of their thought or have difficulty expressing their feelings. You may notice that they stop communicating as frequently as their disease progresses because of these factors.

Encourage communication with the person you are caring for by speaking slowly and calmly, addressing them by name, focusing on one question or statement at a time and maintaining eye contact. Being patient and open about communication will encourage the person you are caring for to express their needs and wants without the feeling of judgment.

4. Increase their sense of self-worth

It's frustrating to forget what you were going to say or suddenly not remember how to do simple tasks like turn on the washing machine. Over time as these instances begin to happen more often, a person's self-esteem may start to wear thin. Caregivers can help build back some of that self-confidence by doing the following:

• Continue speaking to them as you would if they did not have a disease – speak to them as an adult, use their name in conversation and include them in conversations.
• Spend more time focusing on what they are capable of doing, instead of focusing on the things they are no longer able to do alone.
• Include them in choosing which clothes they wear each day and take them for regular self-care days – haircuts, nail appointments, shopping.

5. Take care of yourself

It's no small task taking care of someone with Alzheimer's disease and any chance to receive caregiver support is key. It's seemingly impossible to take care of another person if you are not taking care of yourself. Consider joining a support group with other caregivers who can validate your feelings and offer helpful suggestions for taking care of yourself. If you're unsure where to look for help, the Alzheimer's Association can provide you with a list of local resources. All you need to do is provide your zip code.

Prioritize your health by getting enough sleep, exercising to reduce stress and seeking mental health support if needed. The most important thing you can do is ask for help when you need it. Support groups can offer suggestions of who to reach out to if you are struggling. It's important to be communicative with your friends and family if you are overwhelmed; you'll be surprised how many people are willing to lend a hand.

It's also important to look at opportunities for adult day service or similar programs. These services can provide either a partial day or a full day of supervised programming in a community. This can be helpful for caregivers who feel they need some time to run errands or just want some time for themselves.

You are appreciated, even if you don't realize it

Whether you are caring for a parent with dementia at home or providing Alzheimer's care for a partner, being a caregiver is no small feat. Dedicating your time to someone with Alzheimer's disease is difficult and can be tiresome. Remember that even if the person you are caring for doesn't outwardly express it, they are grateful for your presence and your compassion. Not everything will go perfectly, but being there for someone going through a difficult time is enough to help any person struggling not feel alone.

Health fears are growing as we move into the post-COVID era and social media platforms are exacerbating these fears. According to the Pew Research Center, 97% of children aged 13-17 use social media. Social media's role in health awareness is growing as more and more kids turn their phones for health answers and teen health education. Whether these young people are looking for a common connection with others or a quick explanation for a conglomerate of symptoms, the rise of self-diagnosis and growing health fears are concerning experts.

Why are social media induced health fears rising? Some possible explanations

According to Harvard Health Publishing, health anxiety is quite common among men and women alike – affecting 4% to as much as 12% of the population. It is normal to be concerned about your health, but health anxiety and general concern are very different. Worrying about a sore throat being a contagious virus is normal, while worrying that a headache is indicative of brain cancer is not. Post-pandemic health fears are rising, and this can especially be seen in adolescents who experienced a major health crisis at a pivotal brain development stage.

Not only is social media increasing physical health-related fears among young people, but mental health-related fears as well. Content creators are openly discussing their diagnoses, coping skills and general experiences with various mental health problems while young kids, teenagers and young adults are watching. Young people may self-identify with these influencers' descriptions of ADHD and autism, and quickly jump to the conclusion that they too have these conditions, even though the symptoms experienced could be related to other mental health issues or be normal.

The dangers of self-diagnosis

It's understandable that someone struggling with poor mental health or physical health issues would self-diagnose in an attempt to feel validated and more in control of their situation, but self-diagnosis can be dangerous. Inaccurate self-diagnosis can create a delay in determining the actual underlying cause of the patient's symptoms, which can postpone proper diagnosis and treatment. Self-diagnosers might try self-medication with over-the-counter drugs and therapies, which might exacerbate the issue or lead to an additional, unrelated problem.

What the experts say: Social media platform and health misinformation

Researchers have begun exploring the link of social media use to heightened anxiety and misinformation. While this kind of research is new and additional research is needed to make definitive connections, the current findings might make you think twice before allotting screentime to your kids.

A study published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science found that falsehoods have a 70% higher chance of being propagated than the truth on Twitter and go "further, faster, deeper and more broadly than the truth."

While cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is often encouraged by licensed psychologists, researchers from Indiana University found that falsehoods about its effectiveness for those suffering from PTSD were being spread on TikTok. CBT has empirical support as a treatment for PTSD, but people relying on information from TikTok might be dissuaded from trying out this treatment because of the falsehoods being spread.

On TikTok, misinformation about liver disease is prevalent in 4 in 10 posts and promote inaccurate claims about fad diets and herbal remedies, reports AAAS and EurekAlert!.

According to research published in the National Institute of Health, increased use of social media by young people was linked to negative body image, poor self-esteem and a decrease in sleep – all of which related to higher depressive symptom scores. Not only are poor body image, self-esteem and sleep a problem in-and-of themselves but could lead to the development of further medical issues such as eating disorders and anxiety.

Strategies to mitigate the issue

Parents can take certain steps to mitigate social media's negative effects on their kids but must remember that each child is different and a tailored approach to their specific needs will always work best. If a young person seems frustrated after using social media, it might not be from what they viewed, but from underlying feelings. Open communication up with your kid and discuss those feelings and where they are coming from – a place of self doubt, feeling left out or something deeper.

A popular strategy many parents have utilized is setting screen times. Consider supplementing this with screen-free time at family dinners, Sunday evenings or homework time. At the end of the day, the approach that will work best will be one that your kid helped develop. Get their input and help them be successful by setting an example and following those rules yourself.

The future of social media and health fears

As we move into a post-COVID era, heightened anxiety surrounding health will eventually subside and return to pre-pandemic levels. More knowledge on the best ways to support young people in using social media without exacerbating health concerns will become available as research on social media's impact on anxiety and health continues. In the meantime, finding an individualized approach that works for you and your kid can help alleviate social media's potential negative effects.

Rise in depression driving research

According to Gallup, 29% of U.S. adults have reported being diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives. That number is almost 10 percentage points higher than what was reported in 2015. As the rates of depression have increased in recent years, so has the search for new forms of treatment.

Common forms of depression treatment include lifestyle changes, therapy and antidepressant medication. Although some people have found success with these treatment options, others feel they aren't effective and see ketamine infusion therapy as a possible solution.

A brief timeline of ketamine and its uses:

1950s: Chemists began working to develop new forms of anesthesia that could alleviate pain. Parke Davis Laboratories of Detroit developed PCP for use in veterinary medicine. While semi-effective in animal use cases, the drug created some problematic side effects such as poor muscle relaxation. When trialed in humans, they experienced similar unfavorable side effects, thus making the drug less effective than similar medications.

1960s: In 1962, ketamine, similar in structure to PCP, was first synthesized. Shortly after synthesization, ketamine was tested on volunteer prisoners who found that the drug was a potent anesthetic with few adverse side effects.

1970s: Clinical trials for ketamine began in France with researchers' findings consistent with those of the prisoners in the '60s. The FDA allowed the drug to be used as an anesthetic for Vietnam soldiers, but because of the potential for ketamine to be abused and its hallucination-creating potential, ketamine was used less in medicine and deemed a Class III substance.

Ketamine for depression in the 21^st century

According to Columbia University, "Ketamine targets different subsets of neurotransmitters in the brain than conventional SSRIs, so patients who haven't found therapeutic effects with traditional antidepressants may have better luck with ketamine therapy."

A clinical trial led by Massachusetts General Brigham investigators found that 55% of patients treated with ketamine showed a long-lasting improvement in their depression symptoms without experiencing significant adverse effects.

In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a ketamine nasal spray to treat depression in adults who have not benefited from other antidepressant medications. The nasal spray is currently only available at a certified doctor's office or clinic.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, veterans with treatment-resistant depression were treated with ketamine infusions and their results were followed for a year. Almost half of the patients saw a "meaningful drop in scores" on tests that measure their depression, and 15% of patients responded so well to the infusions that they were declared to be in remission.

Researchers at Stanford Medicine researched ketamine's effects on depression by administering either the drug or a placebo when patients with severe depression were under general anesthesia. The researchers discovered that both groups experienced improvements in their depression, leading researchers to believe that patients who believed they received ketamine, even if they hadn't, could improve their depression.

Real-world use cases and testimonials

As reported by NPR, Sarah Gutilla was struggling with depression and had lost hope for all traditional treatment methods. In a last ditch effort, Sarah and her husband decided it was worth the money to send Sarah to receive intravenous ketamine therapy at a ketamine clinic in California. She immediately felt hopeful saying, "The amount of relief I felt after the first treatment was what I think 'normal' is supposed to feel. I've never felt so OK and so at peace."

Perhaps one of the most publicized real-world use cases for ketamine treatments was Matthew Perry and his death following treatment. When Perry's initial toxicology screening linked his death to the acute effects of ketamine, there was increased scrutiny surrounding the use of ketamine clinics for depression treatment. According to a later account, Perry had his final infusion therapy one week prior to his passing. This suggests that, on the day of his death, a high dosage of the drug combined with an opioid and a sedative caused his death rather than the infusion therapy. Although the ketamine treatment wasn't the cause of death, the buzz around the story opened up a conversation about the ethics surrounding using this illicit drug for treatment-resistant depression.

A new frontier for depression treatment

While the research from Stanford Medicine suggests that we still have a long way to go before fully understanding ketamine and its potential to treat depression, the idea that there are new forms of treatment is providing hope for those who have long suffered from severe depression. The drug has come a long way since it was first used in veterinary medicine, and the potential for this "party drug" could hold the future for psychedelics in mental health care.

With the holidays coming up, there is no better way to express our appreciation than by picking out a thoughtful gift with their interest and needs in mind, whether that be the chance to relax, treat themselves to something nice or a gadget that could facilitate their personal and work lives. Here is a guide to help kickstart your gift shopping list for those superhumans in your life, and maybe even something for yourself!

1. Spa Day

It is no secret that jobs in the health care industry come with a lot of stress. Gift them the opportunity to melt some of that away and indulge in a day full of relaxation and time for themselves and healing. Many spas offer day passes with a wide range of services. A chance to spend a day getting taken care of for a change would make an excellent gift.

2. Yoga Studio Membership

There is no such thing as "too much" relaxation. A membership at a yoga studio could provide a much-needed reset to their mind and bodies. Health care workers are constantly on the move while on the clock and might experience physical and mental exhaustion after several back-to-back 12+ hour shifts, especially if they work nights.

3. Massage Gun

Constantly being on your feet and moving from patient to patient throughout the entirety of their workday can cause a lot of strain to their body and muscles. A massage gun can help get into those deep and hard to reach knots and ease some of the tenseness and soreness.

4. Hand Lotion

Health care workers wash their hands countless times throughout the day. The strong antibacterial medical grade soaps can start to take a toll on their skin and can result in dry chapped hands, especially in the coming cooler months. Some hand lotion can be a clever stocking stuffer to help soothe this small inconvenience that comes with having some of the most important jobs in the world.

5. Water Bottle/Tumbler

Staying hydrated is important for everyone. A tumbler makes that easier for those who are constantly on the go. With a wide variety of types of water bottles, thermos and tumblers in all colors and sizes, there is something for everyone. Give it an extra personalized touch and have it engraved!

6. Meal Kit Delivery Subscription

Busy schedules make it tough to find time for meal planning, much less trips to the grocery store. Make their lives a little bit easier and send them some groceries directly to their doorstep! There are quite a few meal and grocery delivery services to choose from, find the one that best fits their needs.

7. Medical Association Memberships and Subscriptions

Joining a medical association can provide educational and professional growth and guidance they will not find elsewhere. Cover their membership dues to provide them with access to newsletters, conferences, latest medical research and findings and continuing educational opportunities.

8. Apple Watch

On the go lifestyles require extra gadgets to help juggle all the daily to-dos and errands. An apple watch might be just the tool they might need or find useful. It's a helpful way to handle many tasks including sending a quick text message, tracking their steps and checking emails. Make it more personal by picking out a band they might like to go with.

9. Compression Socks

Health care workers are on their feet most of the workday. Compression socks can help ease some of the discomfort that comes with tiredness while also promoting blood circulation.

10. Coffee Machine

Long hours require lots of energy. A coffee machine makes an excellent gift for those who need a quick pick me up before heading to work. There are many brands and types to choose from; espresso machine, Keurig, cold brew maker, French press, pour-overs and many more!

11. Celebrate the Health Care Workers in Your Life

The holidays are an excellent time to let health care experts know just how much you appreciate the long hours they put in and the sacrifices they make to save lives. The list above is a great starting point, but don't be afraid to use it as inspiration for more personalized gifts.

Three sectors in particular continue to adapt and grow in this age of patient-focused virtual reality.

Technology and Telemedicine

The effectiveness and growth of telemedicine relies on the advancement of technology. Tech continues to see significant evolution to support this new era of digital health, while pushing new telemedicine trends. Among some of these modernizations are:

• Improved software and programs developed to assist health care providers with tasks, such as exchanging sensitive medical information, conducting e-visits, making diagnosis, providing treatment, monitoring vitals, prescribing prescriptions and educating on disease prevention.
• Cloud-based technologies, which are more scalable, cost-effective and networked than in-house IT systems, allow much faster data transfers from medical devices to electronic health records.
• Internet security, cybersecurity and blockchain for better protection against patient data breaches. In fact, telehealth vendors reported a 117% increase in IP reputation security alerts in 2020.
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) tools used for improving data quality, as well as organizing, screening and analyzing personal health data.
• AI even helps clinicians triage patients, diagnose their conditions and plan optimal treatments. Forbes cited a "Clinicians of the Future" report [1] of clinicians think they'll use artificial intelligence as the basis for clinical decisions within 10 years.
• Mobile medical applications that monitor patients remotely, transmitting data captured by the mobile devices to a cloud-based platform for physician review.

The Impacts of Regulations on Telemedicine

Before the pandemic, major regulation barriers prevented many from embracing digital health alternatives. With the mass shift and adoption of telehealth, providers must comply with multiple federal and state rules.

As of 2023, 43 states and Washington, D.C. have enacted parity laws, which generally require health insurers to cover services provided through telehealth in the same way they would for in-person consultations .

Federal and state telemedicine policies can affect any of these segments:

• Coverage and payment;
• Cost and reimbursement policies;
• Health professional licensure;
• Credentialing and privileging;
• Online prescribing, including for controlled substances;
• Medical malpractice and professional liability insurance;
• Privacy and security; and
• Gaps in rural broadband.

As digital health practices evolve, so will the need for regulation.

Health Care Delivery

Telemedicine trends have revolutionized health care delivery. Unlike traditional health care practices, it incorporates numerous digital components. In response to the pandemic, patient delivery and payment models required altering and the industry shifted from offering fee-for-service to operating via a value-based care delivery system .

The National Academy of Medicine defines value-based care as "safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable and patient-centered." Later, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement transformed this into the Triple Aim, a framework for action that includes improved patient outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and lower costs.

To be successful in new payment models, such as bundling, accountable care organizations and new physician payment, digital health must feature flexibility, particularly as part of care management programs.

Some examples of digital health technologies that contribute to value-based care are:

• Remote Patient Monitoring via devices that collect and transfer personal health and medical data – such as vital signs and biomarkers – to a provider for use in care and related support; and
• Mobile Medical Applications, virtual higher-level medical assistance services that allow patients to receive treatment in the comfort of their own homes.

Telemedicine must address numerous health care delivery needs. It is the driving force behind the shift from traditional to value-based care.

Telemedicine and the Future of Digital Health Care

The high-level examples provided in this article highlight how technology and public policy combine to transform how patients are treated. Though these sectors may overlap, the ongoing drive to make this hybrid system a part of our health care norm continues to stir change and advancements in the sectors that support it. Although the overall adoption and use of telemedicine varies, one thing is certain: telemedicine will remain a pivotal component of health care now and in the years to come. As we shift to a post-COVID reality, the lessons learned during the pandemic can help boost efficiency.

With so many facets of education changed in the recent past, start time deserves a look.

Children aged 6-12 need 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night for good health, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Students 13-18 should have 8 to 10 hours nightly.

We're not the first generation to consider children's health as it relates to sleep, though. Concerns go back a century, long before smartphones connected kids to their friends around the clock. Recent studies show that lack of sleep can lead to numerous physical and mental health issues among children, including depression, obesity, injuries and loss of self-esteem. Still, it's hard to pin down specific numbers for the amount that children need, according to at least one study from the journal Sleep.

The invention of the snooze button and caffeinated drinks shows that we all could use a few more minutes of sleep. But does a later start time for school help in that regard?

That's a question that researchers from the Campbell Collaboration sought to answer in their study, "Later school start times for supporting the education, health and well-being of high school students: a systematic review."

That research indicated that:

1. More sleep will help children with mental health and school performance.
2. More research needs to be conducted on the topic.

In a study published in the Nature and Science of Sleep in late 2020, researchers found that a group of students who slept longer on school nights during the academic year performed better overall in class. The study, conducted by members of the psychology department at Sapienza University of Rome, concluded that, "Findings indicate that a one-hour delay in school start time is associated with longer sleep, better diurnal sustained attention, attendance, and improved academic performance."

Another study from the Journal of Adolescence sought to determine whether increased use of electronic devices hampered youths’ sleep, thereby affecting classroom work. The results were stated straight-forward by the researchers, who were drawn from Taiwan, Norway and South Africa: "This research reveals a vicious cycle of burnout, disturbed sleep and academic achievement."

I can see it now: Bleary-eyed teens begging parents to let them sleep a little longer, asking, "Don't you want me to be smarter?"

Telecommuting can play a large part in this change as well. The U.S. Census Bureau found that nearly 37 percent of households reported at least one individual increased their time working from home from August-December, 2020 because of the pandemic. That means that transportation previously used to commute to work was now available for other uses, for instance — taking children to school later in the morning.

The topic is opening eyes nationwide. California enacted a law that set start times no earlier than 8 a.m. for elementary schools, and no earlier than 8:30 a.m. for the state's high schools, as reported by EdSource. The measure takes effect in 2022, but some schools — such as Chico's Pleasant Valley High School — have already instituted the mandates, according to KRCR-TV.

In Minnesota, the Eden Prairie Schools launched a task force to study start times and their effect on students. The district found that later start times would benefit the students in the district, and adopted new times for the 2021-22 school year.

In New York, Niskayuna High School students will be getting more sleep this year, thanks to later start times that resulted from efforts set forth in 2017 as reported by the Daily Gazette.

Meanwhile in Springfield, Missouri, district officials plan to review the new start times at mid-year, according to the Springfield News-Leader.

If you haven't dozed off while reading this, you probably see that more sleep can only help our children. Nailing down the logistics with schools is another matter.

Environmental and medical scientists work together, sourcing solutions to rising case numbers and climate change. New advancements present an increase in human health and safety with a reduction in ecological effects.

Before evaluating the trends, we must examine the industry's sustainability challenges.

Biopharma and the Environment

The biopharma industry utilizes biotechnology, generating medical drugs for healing. Biopharmaceuticals are antibodies and nucleic acids, like RNA and DNA. The high demand for these products pushes manufacturers and distributors to increase production efforts.

As production demands increase, companies must develop vast quantities of pharmaceuticals quickly and efficiently. The manufacturing drive leads businesses to utilize fossil fuel-derived energy. Conventional power sources are more accessible than sustainable alternatives, like solar or wind.

During combustion, fossil fuels generate an enhanced greenhouse effect. Their reaction alters Earth's natural atmospheric composition, disrupting the natural temperature control process. The atmosphere organically absorbs sunlight, creates heat, warms the surface, and emits excess energy to space.

But when greenhouse gases invade the atmosphere, they increase heat production. The pollutants also trap excess energy on the planet, generating more warmth. Over time, the entrapment of heat increases the global temperature.

The rising temperatures caused by unsustainable energy sourcing generates harsh effects, disrupting biopharma production. A significant impact of climate change is the increased evaporation rate. As the planet warms, the water levels of lakes, reservoirs, and rivers drop.

The biopharma industry requires vast quantities of purified water. Without a reliable and plentiful source, our access to vaccines may dwindle. Limited medical aid may cause a severe threat to society's health.

Additionally, the industry contributes to the global plastic pollution crisis. The inadequate disposal of medical equipment by biopharma companies generates surface-level and marine waste. Some 29 million tons of plastic could inhabit the ocean in total by 2040.

Without intervention, aquatic species will go extinct, and our global ecosystem will suffer. Fortunately, environmental researchers are developing sustainable procedures for biopharma companies to follow. Various trends are rising in the industry, decreasing the ecological degradation associated with production and distribution.

Renewable Energy-Powered Production

Novo Nordisk is a biopharmaceutical company in Denmark that's working to shrink its carbon footprint. They are one of the few organizations that are committed to the RE100 climate initiative. The company set an ambitious sustainability goal by sourcing 100% clean energy.

Other biopharma organizations viewed Novo's efforts and set similar sustainability standards. Johnson & Johnson established their eco-conscious goal by pledging to utilize 100% renewable power by 2050. The transition could significantly decrease the emissions associated with production and manufacturing.

Water Reuse

Another up-and-coming biopharma trend will decrease water scarcity by conserving resources. The industry is water-intensive, especially when it comes to vaccine production. Companies may utilize current technology, increasing the sustainability of their practices.

Vaccine manufacturers source purified water through reverse osmosis. They can use the same process to repurpose non-potable water for medicine. Companies can utilize their access to technology and filter resources that are not drinkable in their original states, like greywater and saltwater.

Repurposing water significantly increases access to freshwater for drinking and manufacturing essential products. As the evaporation rate rises, we must conserve the water we have left and use it wisely.

Material Recycling

The biopharma industry relies on single-use materials for manufacturing and distribution purposes. Disposable products save companies time and effort, helping them focus on the health of individuals. Unfortunately, they generate a significant quantity of waste when following the single-use model.

Environmental engineers and scientists search for sustainable alternatives to waste-producing materials. Fortunately, we can recycle a portion of the waste, creating new supplies. Though researchers have yet to repurpose products within the industry, they have developed unique solutions.

One organization is turning single-use plastic from the biopharma industry into synthetic lumber for construction. We can prevent further damage from deforestation and marine plastic pollution when repurposing waste. Professionals expect further technological advancement in the material recycling sector, helping eliminate adverse environmental effects.

A Sustainable Future

We can ensure the sustainability of biopharmaceutical production and distribution in the future by voting for change. You can also talk to your local government officials about increasing waste regulations in the health care industry to decrease surface-level and marine pollution.

Additionally, you can financially support eco-conscious companies over the alternatives and help increase the demand for sustainable goods.

Since the decline of recommended iodine from health professionals, there has been a significant increase in higher rates of cancer, thyroid dysfunction, and crucial amounts of toxin buildup in our systems. The amount of iodine once found in table salt and breads have either been reduced or replaced with other (often harmful) chemicals. Sadly, up to one-third of people worldwide are at risk of an iodine deficiency.^1,2,3

Most of us are unaware of how iodine functions in our body and how a serious lack of it causes ailing symptoms that mimic other health issues. The result: overmedication and insufficient treatment of the root issue. Fortunately, many integrative medical practitioners and other holistic-thinking individuals are bringing iodine back as a key part of daily nutrient intake.

What is iodine?

Iodine is a mineral found in some foods. The body needs iodine but is unable to produce it. Iodine is mainly found in iodized salt, but as a rule, there is very little iodine in food, unless it has been added during processing.

Why iodine?

Getting sufficient amounts of iodine is important for our bodies to function optimally, particularly, for the thyroid gland. Every cell in our body depends on the thyroid to produce hormones that regulate the body’s metabolic rate, and iodine is a crucial nutrient for its production. Without it, all systems in the body cause the thyroid to work harder. When this happens, it can wreak havoc on our bodies and symptoms of thyroid disfunction will start showing themselves – sometimes in the form of serious diseases, and other times, as symptoms of “seemingly” more common health ailments.

Thyroid dysfunction

Hypothyroidism – low thyroid function or an underactive thyroid is one of the most obvious signs of iodine deficiency. The opposite – hyperthyroidism – is an overactive thyroid, in which the gland is overloaded with hormones. Both types can show up as a multitude of symptoms, ailments or diseases⁴, including:

• Autoimmune thyroid disease
  • These can include Hashimoto’s and Gravies’ diseases. Both of these diseases can cause a flux of hypo- and hyper-thyroid. The most recognized form of iodine deficiency in hypothyroidism is goiter (enlarged thyroid).
• Low metabolism
  • Metabolism is the process where the body converts glucose into biological energy. When thyroid hormones get low, the body has less efficiency at burning calories. This can show up as symptoms of low energy, struggle with weight control, swelling (water retention), digestive issues, food cravings – and all of these can lead to obesity.
• Brain disorders
  • Mental retardation and cretinism, mainly in infants as the mother’s did not get enough iodine during pregnancy.
  • Autism, ADHD, depression, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
  • Cognitive issues, such as "foggy" brain and poor memory.
• Immune system
  • Joint and muscle pain, such as fibromyalgia and chronic and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), which can include muscle pain, joint pain and profound fatigue.
• Diabetes and heart disease (many times go hand-in-hand)
  • Insulin and cholesterol issues. Iodine can improve blood glucose control.
• Allergies, asthma, lung disease
  • Low iodine levels can cause thicker bronchial secretions.
• Female and male organ health
  • Reproductive disorders, breast diseases and prostate issues.
• Different forms of cancer
  • Breast, prostate, ovarian, thyroid and gastrointestinal, to name a few.

As you can see from this considerable list of medical conditions, it is quite possible that inadequate levels of iodine in our system can mimic some more serious ailments. It would seem to make sense to have our iodine levels measured right along with typical blood work – though it’s rarely done. You can ask your health care professional or nutritionist to run a test via urine or blood testing. There is also an easy way to measure your own iodine levels using the Basal Body Temperature⁵ method.

Why iodine is rarely recommended as supplemental treatment?

Iodine has largely been forgotten by many pharmaceuticals and physicians in America today. Before widespread synthetic drugs and antibiotics, iodine was used for almost everything from healing wounds and diseases to destroying bacteria and viruses. In the 1940s, when antibiotics came into play as the treatment for most conditions, iodine therapy generally vanished as the popular medical prescription.⁶ Some therapeutic treatments of iodine are antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial, parasitic, and to elevate the body’s pH to healthy alkaline levels. ^6,7

Where can we get iodine?

Most of the world's iodine is found in the ocean, where it is concentrated by sea life, especially seaweed and in stones near the sea. For many of us that live in “iodine deficient” regions, a diet consisting of certain sea foods and a variety of dairy products, as well as iodized salt, can provide a moderate amount of iodine, however, to obtain optimal levels of iodine, a supplement may be considered. For further information, you can review this fact sheet from National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Sources^8,9

[1] Ramas, R. November 11, 2017. 10 Signs and Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency.Retrieved online:10 Signs and Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency (healthline.com)

² Biban, B. and Lichiardopol, C. June 29, 2017. Iodine Deficiency, Still a Global Problem? Retrieved online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6284174/ (National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI))

³ Benoist, B., Anderson, M., Takkouche, B. and Egli, I. November 29, 2003. Prevalence of Iodine Deficiency Worldwide. Retrieved online: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(03)14920-3/fulltext#back-bib3 (The Lancet)

⁴ To Your Health Books, Copyright 2015.“What Doctors Fail to Tell You About Iodine & Your Thyroid,” by Dr. Robert Thompson.

⁵ Pedagogy Education. How to Take a Basa Body Temperature. Retrieved online: https://www.pedagogyeducation.com/Infusion-Campus/Resource-Library/General/How-to-Take-a-Basal-Body-Temperature.aspx(Pedagogy)

⁶ 1948.“The Wolff-Chaikoff Effect” is a study published in Bekeley, which claims that daily doses of iodine over 0.2mg/L will cause hypothyroidism in humans. Researched online: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11396709/ (PubMed.gov) and https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/105072501300176462 (Mary Ann Liebert)

⁷ McGehee, F. June 3, 2015. Iodine Insufficiency in America: The Neglected Pandemic Retrieved online: https://www.acam.org/blogpost/1092863/216472/Iodine-Insufficiency-in-America-The-Neglected-Pandemic(American College for Advancement in Medicine)

⁸ Press Release. October 1, 1998 . https://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/ad981001.htm(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

⁹No date. Retrieved online:https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-35/iodine (WebMD)